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Understanding the Psychology of Compassion and Mindfulness: A Critical Perspective

This work explores the intersection of compassion, mindfulness, and modern psychology. It critiques the rapid commercialization of mindfulness practices in the West, emphasizing the spiritual roots of meditation while highlighting the dualistic approaches in Western thought. The text examines the dimensions of compassion, offering definitions and practical insights into Buddhist principles like Metta and Karuna. By contrasting quick fixes with lifelong transformative practices, it seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the psychological and spiritual aspects of well-being.

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Understanding the Psychology of Compassion and Mindfulness: A Critical Perspective

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  1. The Psychology of Compassion Dr Elliot Cohen CPsychol, Leeds Metropolitan University British Psychological Society Transpersonal Section

  2. The Mindfulness ‘Revolution’ or the Mindfulness ‘Meme’? • Rapid growth of interest in mindfulness over the last 26 years PsycINFO Articles (peer-reviewed) • 1985 – 24 citations • 2000 – 125 citations • 2005 – 364 citations • 2011- 1,760 citations (source Germer and Siegel 2012, p.10)

  3. Mind & Life Institute http://www.mindandlife.org/

  4. Mark Epstein

  5. Zen and Pure Land Buddhism

  6. Mindfulness-Based Approaches

  7. Critical/Transpersonal Perspective • 'The Psychologising of Eastern contemplative disciplines can rob these disciplines of their spiritual substance. It can pervert them into a Western mental health gimmick, and thereby prevent them from introducing the sharply alternative vision of life they are capable of bringing us.' (Welwood quoted in Coltart 1993, p.26)

  8. Critical/Integral Perspective • Meditation, it is said, is a way to evoke the relaxation response… a technique for calming the central nervous system; a way to relieve stress, bolster self-esteem, reduce anxiety, and alleviate depression. … But I would like to emphasise that meditation itself has always been a spiritual practice. (Wilber 1993, p.76)

  9. What do people want? The ‘magic pill’ versus the ‘lifelong practice’ • A Technique / A ‘quick fix’ • Alleviation of symptoms (stress, depression) • Ability to adapt to stressful environments/situations OR • ‘Something More’ • Greater/Deeper meaning • Transformation/Transcendence

  10. Wisdom for the MindCompassion for the Heart?Xin and Chitta

  11. Dualism in Western Psychology and Philosophy • Body – Mind • Heart – Intellect • Emotion – Reason

  12. Wisdom and Compassion: Two wings of the same bird

  13. Germer and Siegel (eds.) (2012)Including Metta/Karunaand even the (often ignored/excluded)Silas (very last chapter)

  14. Defining Compassion • The wish that all sentient beings may be free from suffering (Dalai Lama 2003, p.67) • Basic Kindness with a deep awareness of the suffering of oneself and other beings, coupled with the wish and effort to alleviate it (Gilbert 2009, p.xiii) • A three-part process: (1) “I feel for you” (affective), (2) “I understand you” (cognitive), (3) “I want to help you” (motivational) (Hangartner 2011)

  15. The Silas(Ethical Principles as a living expression of wisdom/compassion) • 1) To undertake the training to avoid taking the life of beings.  • 2) To undertake the training to avoid taking things not given. • 3) To undertake the training to avoid sensual misconduct.  • 4) To undertake the training to refrain from false speech. • 5) To undertake the training to abstain from substances which cause intoxication and heedlessness. (Source BuddhaNet Accessed 11.10.13)

  16. 4 Brahma Viharas • 1. Metta (Loving-kindness) • 2. Karuna (Compassion) • 3. Mudita (Sympathetic Joy) • 4. Upekkha(Equanimity)

  17. MettaBhavana

  18. Tonglen Practice

  19. Buddhist Images of Compassion:The Bodhisattva

  20. Buddhist Images of Compassion

  21. For a taste of what we’re talking about… • Kuan Yin Dance (All dancers are hearing impaired) • View from 6 minutes • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov_iJQGq6DI

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